It’s a Dog’s World

I can’t remember how many dogs I have had in my 61 years, but it’s been a lot. After our two labs died a few years back, I swore I would not get any more. My two sons had left the house, and it was nice not to have the responsibility of taking care of something. But, as the saying goes “best laid plans” often go awry. My son moved back in for a few months, and decided he wanted a dog that he would take with him when he found a new home. He went to our local animal shelter and brought back Reba. The “plan” was for her to stay in a very large pen at the back of the house at night, or when we were gone. After 30 minutes of barking, in she came, and she’s never been back in the pen.

Six months later my son was ready to move, and Reba stayed. How could I let her go? She had the run of four acres and the house. Her “Besties” Allie and Tori lived next door, and would miss her.

And who was going to go with me to the chicken pen every morning to let the girls out, and sit patiently waiting for a treat when she was a good girl and came when I called?

But I wasn’t just keeping Reba for her, I was keeping her for me. I would miss her if she left. Studies have shown dog’s actually have a beneficial effect on your health. As a nurse, I know the results of stress on many medical conditions, and dogs can help with decreasing your stress. I’ve helped a friend of mine in her efforts to raise money for service dogs, who are used in various ways. Providing the hands of a quadriplegic, identifying when a child is going to have a seizure, and more frequently, being a companion to those suffering from PTSD, dogs truly are a man’s best friend.

Now, I’m not going to get into the controversy of whether you should go to the animal shelter, or buy your dog from an individual breeder. Everyone has strong opinions, and while I prefer the animal shelter, others want a certain breed. I have bought both a dachshund and a Lab years ago. If you choose to buy your dog, please be certain you are buying from a reputable breeder, who takes good care of their animals. The people at Puppy Spot feel the same, and screen all the sellers to be sure there are no puppy mills involved. Where ever you choose to get your dog, be careful. They may just steal your heart.

I recommend folks who want a pure breed check with any of the pure breed rescue groups. We adopted a wonderful, gorgeous dachshund from Dream Dachshund Rescue in Atlanta. Her story was that her ‘mom’ had Alzheimers and her ‘dad’ died of cancer. Just google the breed you want with the word rescue behind it!

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A Quick Note…

For me, this blog is my journal. It helps me chronicle my dreams, my accomplishments, and hopefully imparts a little knowledge for those who love to garden, like the simple life, or have hopes of owning their own business one day. I am sure my friends, family, and other bits of trivia will crop up frequently. Garden info and recipes will also be included periodically.